This weekend marks huge appreciation of the older generation, and one Manchester-based charity is shining a spotlight on its own OAPs of the furry variety: Old Age Pooches. Manchester Dogs Trust is encouraging people to consider adopting an elderly dog so they can live out their twilight years with a family.
It comes as this weekend marks the International Day of Older Persons (October 1) and Grandparents’ Day (October 2).
Older dogs are often overlooked because people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, but the charity says ‘older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners’.
READ MORE: Three-year-old rescue dog looking for family to take her on day trip adventures
Not only that, but there are many benefits of having an older dog, such as the fact they are used to living in a home, and tend to need less exercise in their golden years.
It was revealed the top three breeds of older dogs over eight years old that were taken in across Dogs Trust between August 2021-2022 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreeds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. As a result, Dogs Trust Manchester are hoping to find a cosy retirement home for some of their oldest residents to spend the remainder of their lives.
Ten-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Butch is looking for a quiet home where he can find his paws, as he can be shy when first meeting people. A spokesperson for the Dogs Trust said: “Once he gets to know you, he's an affectionate and loyal boy. He would love his new family to take him on short walks in quieter places to help build his confidence again.”
The smiley Staffy loves to be out mooching in the garden, and would prefer to be the only pet in the home. He can live with children over 14 years, so is perfect for a family with older children.
Meanwhile, Kido is also looking for a place to rest her paws. The 12-year-old Siberian Husky is still ‘full of life’ according to staff at the centre, and she loves to ‘sing’ and ‘chat’ to her visitors.
The rescue said: “She is a favourite amongst staff for her vocal greetings and sing-songs. She absolutely loves her food, being outdoors, and meeting other dogs out and about! Kido could potentially live with another calm dog and could live with children aged 12 years and over.”
Carol Margieson, Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, explained some of the benefits people may not know about adopting an older dog.
She said: “There are lots of benefits of rehoming an Old Age Pooch. Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.
“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks. They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening”.
If you think you could help Dogs Trust Manchester show that age is just a number by rehoming an older dog, please visit their website here.
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